A private party in fine style? There’s nothing quite like a French Château…

Marking milestone birthdays or anniversaries can be tricky. Or course you want to celebrate with friends. But having your own house and garden trampled under muddy feet may not appeal and a big-city « venue » may seem a bit impersonal. So why not go for a Château? France as plenty of them. The wonderfully named Château Bouffémont – strawberries-and-cream, part Disney, part Kubrick has lately emerged from a complete refurb and is designed for private parties. It sleeps up to 27 and the hotel-source crack team encourage you to treat it entirely as your home. All manner of activities are on hand-aquatic, equestrian, you name it – either in the grounds or right next door, to keep your guests happily occupied. Everything can be included , so no one has to see a price list. Convenient? Très. The Château is 30 minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport and under an hour from the Gare du Nord. The best thing? At the end of a long week-end, you can just wave » Au revoir » and someone else will do the clearing-up. James Ogilvy.

Here’s an exclusive French palace, just outside Paris, formally the residence of the Marquise de Preignes and Baron Empain. The 19th century Château, nestled in the Montmorency Forest, is an authentic bourgeois experience. Sweeping manicured lawns, five decadent reception halls, classic French Suites and an ornate antique setting make for your very own Versailles. It’s a little taste of life à la Marie Antoinette

Treat your best girls to a weekend at Château Bouffémont, just outside Paris, and celebrate in opulent style.

Looking a million dollars in the dress of your dreams, surrounded by well wishers and being snapped at every angle means you’re guaranteed to feel like royalty on your big day. So imagine a pre-wedding celebration at a venue that’s quite literally fit-or-a-queen – the stunning Château Bouffémont with sweeping lawns, breathtaking views, exquisite architecture and bedrooms you’ve only seen in the movies!

VENUE WITH A VIEW

Situated just outside Paris, the cit y of love, and once home to the most glamorous French nobility, big days venues don’t get much more regal or romantic than this.

Imagine taking over the entire Château and hosting the fairytale wedding of your childhood dreams. You could quaff champagne with your guests in the pretty gardens, then soak up the ancient ambience in one of the five grand halls at your reception, before kicking off your heels and spending your first night in a sumptuous suite.

And while you’re indulging your inner princess in the recently renovated rooms, where glittering chandeliers sit alongside state-of-the-art mod cons, your groom and his best men can enjoy a round at the neighboring international golf course. Sounds like one très chic ever after!

Located on Paris International Golf Course, surrounded by breathtaking views of Montmorency Forest is the majestic fantasy of Château Bouffémont – a functioning venue available for exclusive private and corporate hire. This astonishing beaux Arts landmark, dating back to the 19th century, has been a destination for royalty thanks to its former proprietors, Marquise de Preignes and Baron Empain. Following its reacquisition in 2006, it has been completely renovated whilst respecting its heritage and tradition, and boasts 5 grand halls, 10 prestigious suites, a private bar, magnificent gardens and a natural park. Day trips to the largest French river beach, l’Isle-Adam, wine tasting, mountain biking and water sports are also available for guests.